Being an introvert drummer can be tough.
Especially if you want to market yourself, or build up your network in the music industry.
You’re not only introverted, but also shy?
Things might get even more challenging for you.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case.
In fact, being introverted and/or shy as a drummer is not a problem.
It’s just a part of your personality.
On the other hand, I know the many hardships of being an introverted drummer.
That’s because I’m introverted as well.
How has this affected my drumming career?
Well …
It’s A Relief To Know
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I didn’t know about my introvert side for quite a long time.
Of course, there were some signs popping up now and then:
After playing a gig, for example, I often felt tired.
Like exhausted.
At first, I thought this would be due to circumstances.
Concert days can be demanding, after all.
You know, arriving at the location after a many hours ride, staying there for the next 7 hours preparing to play a 3-hour gig.
Full concentration needed.
(Plus driving home, most of the time.)
But this wouldn’t explain my significant loss of energy the day after the concert.
It was my introverted side demanding a rest.
- Being part of a (huge) crowd,
- having to interact with (many) people
- or just showing myself in the center of attention
simply was draining energy from me.
When I found out about this being – at least partly -due to my introverted personality, I felt relieved.
However, I also began to wonder:
Can I reach my drumming goals being introverted?
After all, being a happy and a successful drummer are not necessarily the same.
What Does It Take To Be A Pro?
As a drummer with professional ambitions, you have to do the work.
Being introverted stands as no excuse.
- Learn deliberately.
- Actively market your skills.
- And most importantly of course, make music.
Practicing most definitely will be a non-exhausting challenge for you as an introvert drummer.
But networking and marketing might not be.
How I Build Up My Network As An Introvert Drummer
I’m good at building personal relationships, face to face.
Offline.
This means, I simply talk with other people
- at concerts,
- after music classes
- or while going out.
As many musicians know other musicians themselves, I built strong relationships over time.
I’m really blessed that some of them turned into wonderful friendships.
After all, I’ve been playing the drums for more than 15 years now.
So, up to this day, that’s what I do for networking:
I concentrate on building authentic relationships, offline world preferred.
(Social Media gives me a hard time, mostly.)
However, I do not force myself to socialize.
It’s perfectly fine to stay at home if you don’t feel like going to a concert, or a jam session.
Like many introverts, I also prefer less good friendships over many more shallow contacts.
That’s what I recommend for you as well:
If you want to build up your network in the music industry, stay authentic.
You don’t need to have a bubbly or out-going personality.
Just be yourself.
I’m sure you’ll soon connect with people embracing your uniqueness.
First Serve, Then Deserve
Simply have a great time at a concert, and tell the band that you enjoyed their music.
That’s networking, too.
It’s not about liking a post on Instagram or leaving a comment on YouTube.
Networking can be so much more.
For me, it’s about genuinely caring about others.
Serve and you will deserve.
But never treat other people just as helpful contacts.
This won’t help you build long-lasting relationships, not only in the music business.
Also, make sure to set healthy boundaries for yourself.
NO is an outstandingly powerful word.
Don’t become a people pleaser for the price of your well-being.
That’s just not worth it.
Marketing Tips For The Introvert Drummer
Many drummers think Marketing is all about regularly posting on
- TikTok,
- Instagram,
- Facebook etc.
However, this is not true.
Using Social Media is Social Media Marketing.
There are many, many more ways of marketing your unique drumming skills.
I love writing, for example.
That’s why I own various websites, where I share my knowledge with a worldwide audience online.
I also publish my own digital products, providing tried and tested solutions for other people.
If you enjoy writing as well, you also might want to start your own drumming blog.
You could also concentrate on publishing helpful content on search engines like YouTube or Pinterest.
Perhaps you dream of creating your own drumming Podcast?
Give it a try, and see what works for you.
You don’t have to do just what everybody else does.
In fact, NOT doing what everybody else does sometimes gives you the best results.
Here’s a personal example of mine:
I started my first blog in 2014, so that I could avoid Facebook Marketing.
My first blog doesn’t exist anymore, but it was the beginning of my journey as a professional drummer and blogger.
So yes, I’m a huge fan of countercyclical strategies also in Marketing.
Just remember:
There are many ways to bring your personal value to the market.
It’s just important to find out which ones feel good and work for you.
The Myth Of The Extrovert Musician
Musicians are extroverts by nature.
They love to be in the spotlight.
That’s a common belief.
It’s bullshit.
Musicians can be introverts as well.
They also don’t need to strive for the center of attention.
Know Neil Peart? (RIP)
This world-class drummer – and one of my favorite musicians – is said to have been an introvert as well.
Just like these other introverted rock stars on the list.
So, being introverted isn’t necessarily bad or anything for your drumming career.
It’s just an aspect of your character.
Still, you might feel that the 21. century is made for extrovert personalities.
But is this really the case?
I don’t think so.
After all, each human being has unique strengths.
Just like the introvert drummer that might not have a bubbly personality, but speaks through his or her music instead.
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